Leadership and Doctors of BC

Why care about our organization?

As your President I am the public voice and face of the Doctors of BC this year. It is critical that I demonstrate a broad understanding of the issues affecting the health care system in BC, as well as the professional lives of all our members. We must focus on the care of patients and our ability to do our work effectively. In 2015 the Ministry released three policy documents on their vision for the health care system in BC. It is critical that we be involved in their implementation to ensure these are positive changes for patients and for physicians. We must speak out on behalf of our colleagues, our patients, and our communities. My strengths in health policy development and negotiations and consensus building.can help me be an effective voice for the physicians of this province. I enjoy the challenge of working with a diverse group of physicians. I look forward to the broader representation we can have through our new governance structure and encourage broad participation by all of you in all parts of our organization.

I believe the Doctors of BC must be representative, balanced, and effective. It must represent all of its members and be a strong voice for appropriate patient care in our province. Rural and urban, generalist and specialist, all must work together to protect and improve health care and our working environment in BC

Current changes to the credentialing process are proceeding and physicians have fought hard to have meaningful involvement in the process. Our contract sets a framework for physician influence which has the potential to significantly improve our working lives but it must be accomplished with the active involvement of the local physicians. The new regional support workers and facilities engagement process gives better potential for input from specialists in hospitals and resource planning that directly affects their ability to work. It is essential to address issues that impair our ability to care for our patients. We must achieve better engagement of the membership, and make the Doctors of BC truly an association that supports the needs of you, the members.

I believe members want a good contract, representation of their views within the organization, and a strong voice representing physicians in our dialogues with government and other health care professionals. I am grateful for your support in my election as President of the Doctors of BC, and promise to be an effective advocate on your behalf.

I have demonstrated throughout my professional life that I will work hard on behalf of my patients and my community. I have always acted with integrity and will continue to do so for all the physicians of BC.